SPP has hired human resources veteran Kelly Carney to serve as its vice president of human capital and chief people officer, the RTO said last week.

Carney will partner with the executive team and board of directors on HR planning, allocation and organizational goal setting. She will lead the human resources department, staff performance development and SPP’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.

“Our most important asset is our people, and her broad experience across the human capital spectrum will help us attract, develop and retain top-tier employees,” CEO Barbara Sugg said in a press release. “Kelly’s contributions will undoubtedly help keep SPP a premier employer in central Arkansas.”

Carney has more than 20 years of HR experience. She most recently served as vice president and chief administrative officer at Delta Dental of Arkansas. She’s a past president of the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association and member of the Arkansas Compensation Association.

“The strong culture and relationship-based approach to doing business at SPP is very impressive,” Carney said. “Everyone I talk to expresses their pride in the organization and the work they do. I am looking forward to being a part of the mission.”